The Smiths Falls Police Service are predicting a $15,000 expense to police the Canada Day events in the town.
The Downtown BIA is hosting a bike night and pushing for over 10,000 riders to attend, the town is hosting their annual July 1st celebrations and fireworks, and there are other downtown area organizations hosting events as well.
Deputy Chief Chris Kettlye says it’s all hands on deck.
Chief Jodie Empey says this will be a big expense to the police service.
Empey said the June Bike Night cost the service $3,000 and they were very understaffed, and they’re expecting upwards of 10,000 attendees of the Canada Day event, on top of the town’s celebrations.
The SFPS are hoping to discuss cost recovery for policing with the Downtown BIA.
All officers and support staff holidays have been cancelled, and they’re requesting assistance from the OPP as well.
Story by Grant Deme
